Over the last two days the three biggest video game giants have all chimed in with there next evolution to their gaming platforms. Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony all have put forth some heavily anticipated new products and a slew of surprises and innovations. At the same time there seems to be a disconnect with some more serious gamers and the companies that feed their needs.
Microsoft Xbox took the stage first to show us a glimpse of what we can expect over the next year. Titles like Rock Band Beetles edition with Xbox only tracks and Halo 3: ODST are sure to generate a lot of buzz for the platform. The biggest surprise came with the motion sensing Project Natal which turns your entire body into the controller, putting you directly into the game. My take on this is mixed. If they can execute it and implement it properly then ok, but if it’s going to be some half assed attempt then I don’t think real gamers will bother.
As for Nintendo, they introduced the Motion Plus for the Wiimote which gives us a 1:1 ratio for movement. A much needed addition to the original Wiimote which at times was very choppy. Wii Sports 2 also looks to be a big title for the Wii fans. I think Nintendo has the idea of fun family games down cold. My problem is that with the focus on the Wiimote there isn’t enough focus on original gaming. Fighting games, FPS and TPS are not really comfortable on the console. Of course the DSi is in a league of it’s own and again adds to the whole fun factor of Nintendo products… but as I said there is a lack of serious titles on the Nintendo. Resident Evil is not a sure thing with me… not really a fan of any games in the series.
Finally, Sony came to kill and they came pretty close to doing so. I’d say they along with Xbox equally impressed the gaming world. God of War III, Assassin’s Creed, and the new PSP Go are all huge announcements. Not to mention the arrival of Sony’s motion controller which seems like it will take motion to a new level. I don’t think they will try and take the market share from Nintendo but I think the inclusion is much needed. I feel Sony’s purpose is to release the best games for the best gamers. Best not meaning skill level rather dedication. People want their analogue controller with 6 buttons. Not everyone wants to work out on a balance board. Gamers want to pick up a controller and run missions and I think out of the big three Sony understands this the most. With that said I am very excited for the upcoming Sony product launches.
Overall E3 was nice. It was cool to watch it live. Mark my words, next year I will be live blogging from the event. I have made that a goal. Anyway, chime in with your thoughts. Check my twitter for pictures taken during the live cast.
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So we predicted (and had it from a good source!) that the new iPhone 3 would in fact have a tactical keyboard. Well it turns out that our information was a bit off (at least for now). We aren’t saying it’s never going to happen, and we aren’t saying that it is completely ruled out but from the looks of things and from my source inside Apple don’t expect your dreams to come true on June 8th.
What I do have however are some important nearly official specs on the new phone itself. Video is coming to the iPhone, and along with the ability to record comes the ability to edit right on the phone. That’s right, you will be able to record and edit your videos prior to sharing them via YouTube or whatever service you use. Very cool feature. We can also confirm that there will be some sort of push notification service, so when you receive a new IM or Facebook message you won’t need to constantly open and close the app, it will notify you like a text message.
Some other specs I have listed at the end but let me say this. I understand Apple’s need to constantly push new technology but as a technophile and someone who has spent a long time around smart phones, I think it is a big mistake to leave out something as useful as a tactical keyboard. Sure it would add a little bulk to the phone but in the end the user would be much happier. Even offering an iPhone with the option and without the option would be great. HTC offers a wide range of phones so why not Apple?
Who knows? I for one will be up early, watching the Tweets to see what they unleash on us. I am hoping it’s a bit more than just an updated OS and Camera. Here is the rumored updates to the new hardware/software.
- 32GB and 16GB storage (up from the current 16GB and 8GB models)
- $199 and $299 price points to be maintained
- 3.2-megapixel camera (up from the current 2-megapixel camera)
- Video-recording and editing capabilities
- Ability to send a picture & video via MMS
- Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
- OLED screen
- 1.5 times the battery life of the current models
- Double the RAM and processing power
- Built-in FM transmitter
- Apple logo on back will glow
- Rubber-tread backing
- Sleeker design
- Built-in compass
- The camera, GPS, compass and Google map combined will identify photo and inform about photo locations
- Turn-by-turn directions
After a long wait and a lot of pre-release hype the video for Cage’s “I never knew you” has been released. It is currently playing every hour on MTV2 and MTVU. You can also watch it exclusively on MTV.com and download the I Never Knew You E.P. which includes the single and four other unreleased songs off the new album.
Much love and respect to Chauncey, F. Sean, and Cage and congrats on their future success. Do them a favor, and more importantly do yourself a favor and check this out. In case you didn’t know this video is the directorial debut for Transformers star Shia Labeouf. Watch for a cameo from Cardboard City members Shia, Yak Ballz, Aesop, El-P, and Alex Pardee. I greatly enjoyed this video and you will too. Enough reading, check it out!
Click here to watch “I never knew you”
Click here to download the I Never Knew You E.P.
Figured I would drop a little freebie pack on everyone. I threw together three minimalistic wallpapers each of a different resolution, (sorry but I’m lazy) by various artists. Each wallpaper is property of the original artist.
I am a fan of the minimal style, I don’t need laser beams and tentacles flying out of each crevasse on some weird digital space ship thing. In any event, there will be a new pack every so often. This pack includes a cow, a chicken, a delicious juice box, and some wave thing. I promise you will enjoy!
If you would like to have your work featured please send it in!
Download Pack 01 by clicking here!
Who reading this remembers quite possibly the best game for the original Nintendo, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!? I sure do. I would spend hours and hours on that game, back before there were save files and memory cards. You were Little Mac and your goal… become the greatest boxer of all time.
No matter how hard I tried I could NEVER beat Mike Tyson. He was just too fast and eventually I grew frustrated and gave up. Years passed and now, from out of nowhere Little Mac is returning! That’s right Punch-Out!! for the Nintendo Wii has arrived.
Not really trying to get into too many details but the marketing used by Nintendo is flawless. I caught this commercial today while I was eating lunch and I loved every second of it. Doc is exactly how I would have imagined him and his quote “You see, a comeback is like a yo-yo. You gonna go down, but you comin’ right back. And then you may end up walkin’ the dog.” is true lolz! Do yourself a favor and give it a look.
Video after the jump.
Continue reading ‘Little Mac Returns; Punch-Out!!’
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